Bowe had until July 16 deadline to sign a long-term deal with the team and when that deadline passed he could only sign a one-year deal with the Chiefs.

His tender was worth a guaranteed salary of $9.5 million for the 2012 season. He becomes an unrestricted free agent again in March, but the Chiefs could franchise him again. It will cost them $11.4 million if they do.

Bowe caught 81 passes for 1,159 yards and five touchdowns last season.